Efficacy of Biomarkers and CEUS Versus CTA in AAA Follow-up Post-EVAR (EVAR-markers)

Comparación De La Eficacia Entre Biomarcadores Y Ecografía Con Contraste Frente a Angio-TC En El Seguimiento De Aneurismas De Aorta Abdominal (AAA) Tras Reparación Endovascular (EVAR)

This prospective observational study evaluates the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and biomarker determination in the follow-up of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treated with Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR). Currently, computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the standard for follow-up, although it has disadvantages such as radiation exposure and the use of iodinated contrasts. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), free of radiation and nephrotoxicity, and biomarkers could reduce the need for CTA minimizing the associated risks. Biomarkers will be measured before and after EVAR and CEUS will be performed at various time points and compared with CTA results to validate concordance and effectiveness in detecting endoleaks and aneurysm remodeling. The objectives include determining the efficacy of these combined methods and establishing a follow-up protocol that reduces exposure to radiation and iodinated contrast agents.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Without Rupture
• Intervention / Treatment: Diagnostic test: CTA

Detailed Description

Background/Rationale:

Patients with AAA who have undergone EVAR of the abdominal aortic aneurysm require indefinite follow-up since a 4-year complication rate after EVAR of up to 40% has been described in some series.

In some patients a decrease in the diameters of the residual aneurysm sac after EVAR has been described, which is known as remodeling.

CTA is the gold standard imaging technique for the follow-up of these patients, although it has the disadvantage of using ionizing radiation and iodinated contrasts that are nephrotoxic and can produce hypersensitivity reactions. Furthermore, there is no consensus on which protocol is the most suitable (one phase, two phases or three phases). Currently, in our hospital, three-phase CTA is being performed, as well as CTA with the Split Bolus technique, which allows the acquisition of images in arterial and venous phases in a single acquisition, thus reducing radiation doses; a correlation between both techniques of 85.7-100% and a decrease in radiation doses of between 30-78% has been described.

An alternative to CTA is CEUS that presents a sensitivity of 90.5% (22-100%) and a specificity of 90.65% (71-100%) for the detection of endoleaks. It is a technique that does not use ionizing radiation; furthermore, ultrasound contrasts are not nephrotoxic and hypersensitivity reactions to them are exceptional. In addition, there are publications concerning the determination of biomarkers in the follow-up of patients with AAA both before and after treatment with EVAR.

Hypothesis:

Performing CEUS together with biomarker determination in patients with AAA treated by EVAR would allow reducing the number of CTA to these patients; and, therefore, radiation doses and the use of iodinated contrasts that may cause nephrotoxicity, as well as hypersensitivity reactions.

Primary objectives:

1. - To determine whether the combination of biomarker levels together with CEUS in the follow-up of treated AAA patients is as effective as performing CTA to detect endoleaks.
2. - To validate the usefulness of CEUS together with biomarker determination in the follow-up of these patients.

Secondary Objectives:

1.- To determine the cost-effectiveness of biomarkers in the follow-up of these patients.

To establish a protocol for the follow-up of patients with AAA treated with EVAR, including biomarkers and CEUS.

3.-To reduce radiation doses in the follow-up of patients with AAA treated with EVAR.

Methodology:

Prospective observational study. Biomarker levels will be determined before (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after stent implantation (24-48 h, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year) together with contrast echography. In addition, a control CTA will be performed to validate concordance. These biomarkers will be analyzed comparing the values obtained in patients with endoleaks versus patients without endoleaks, as well as in those with aneurysm remodeling.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 60

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Juan Manuel Sanchís García; Phone Number: +34 961245655; Email: sanchis_juagar@gva.es

Study Locations

• Spain
  • Comunidad Valenciana
    • Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain, 46026
      • Recruiting
      • Hospital la Fé
      • Contact: Juan Manuel Sanchís García; Phone Number: +34961245655; Email: sanchis_juagar@gva.es

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients with AAA treated with EVAR will undergo a clinical evaluation prior to the procedure, assessing inclusion and exclusion criteria. A determination of biomarkers will be carried out to determine their values before the procedure, which will be carried out within 30 days of said assessment. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be studied prospectively to assess the effectiveness of biomarker levels along with CEUS to detect endoleaks.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with AAA under follow-up who are going to be treated with EVAR.
• signed informed consent to perform CTA, CEUS and for the determination of biomarkers.

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms or ruptured aneurysm.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort

Intervention / Treatment

Study cohort; Inclusion Criteria: patients with AAA under follow-up who are going to be treated with EVAR.; signed informed consent to perform CTA, CEUS and for the determination of biomarkers. Exclusion Criteria: patients with inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms or ruptured aneurysm.

Diagnostic test: CTA; The levels of biomarkers are determined before (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after the implantation of the stent (24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and at 1 year), along with the performance of a contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Additionally, a follow-up CT angiography is performed to validate the concordance, that is, to assess if there are changes in the biomarker values determined one month after the implantation of the stent compared to the baseline values that may suggest the presence of complications (endoleaks, infection, thrombosis, etc.).; Other Names: Ultrasound image enhancement

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Biomarkers Levels for Endoleak Detection Post-EVAR Treatment	To determine if biomarker levels can detect endoleaks as a complication in patients treated for AAA, changes in biomarker levels will be compared to baseline values and subsequent assessments. Outcome Measure: Change in Endoleak Biomarkers from baseline to 1 year. Biomarkers and Units of Measure: Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Markers: Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) (ng/mL); Renal Function Markers: Cystatin C (mg/L); Coagulation Markers: von Willebrand Factor (%), Factor VIII (IU/dL) Analysis: Each biomarker will be grouped into clinically relevant categories and analyzed as an independent measure within its respective category to assess its correlation with endoleak occurrence.	Biomarkers will be evaluated before (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis (24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year).
Biomarkers Levels for Thrombosis Detection Post-EVAR Treatment	To determine if biomarker levels detect thrombosis in AAA patients, changes will be compared to baseline values and subsequent assessments. Outcome Measure: Change in Thrombosis Biomarkers from baseline to 1 year. Biomarkers and Units of Measure: Coagulation Markers: Prothrombin Time (PT) (seconds), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) (seconds), Derived Fibrinogen (mg/dL), Factor XIII (%); Platelet Function Markers: PFA-100 COL/ADP (seconds), PFA-100 COL/EPI (seconds); Anticoagulation Markers: Protein C (%), Protein S (%), Antithrombin (%); Thrombophilia Markers: Lupus Anticoagulant (Presence/Absence), Activated Protein C Resistance ((+/-)), Prothrombin G20210A Mutation ((+/-)), Factor V Leiden Mutation (G1691A) ((+/-)) Analysis: Each biomarker will be grouped into clinically relevant categories and analyzed as an independent measure within its respective category to track changes and assess their correlation with thrombosis.	Biomarkers will be evaluated before (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis (24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year).
Biomarkers Levels for Infection Detection Post-EVAR Treatment	To determine if biomarker levels can detect infection as a complication in patients treated for AAA, changes in biomarker levels will be compared to baseline values and subsequent assessments. Outcome Measure: Change in Infection Biomarkers from baseline to 1 year. Biomarkers and Units of Measure: - Inflammatory Markers: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (mg/L); Procalcitonin (ng/mL); IL-6 (pg/mL); IL-8 (pg/mL); TNF-α (pg/mL); Serum Calprotectin (µg/mL) Analysis: Each biomarker will be grouped as an inflammatory marker and analyzed as an independent measure to track changes and assess its correlation with infection.	Biomarkers will be evaluated before (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis (24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year).
Biomarker Levels for Prosthesis-Related Complication Detection Post-EVAR Treatment	To determine whether biomarker levels can detect complications such as displacement, dislocation, and plication of the prosthesis in patients treated for AAA, changes in biomarker levels will be compared to baseline values and subsequent assessments. Outcome Measure: Change in Biomarkers Related to Prosthesis Issues from baseline to 1 year. Biomarkers and Units of Measure: Lipid Metabolism Markers: Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) (mg/dL), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (mg/dL); Hematological Markers: Reticulocytes (10³/mL); Coagulation Markers: Quick Index (%); Autoimmune Markers: Anticardiolipin Antibodies (IgG/IgM) (GPL/MPL units) Analysis: Each biomarker will be grouped into clinically relevant categories and treated as an independent measure within its respective category.	Biomarkers will be evaluated before (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis (24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year).
CEUS (Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound) for Endoleak Detection Post-EVAR treatment	Objective: To determine if CEUS can detect endoleaks, thrombosis, infection, and complications related to protesis placement (displacement/dislocation of the prosthesis, plication of the prosthesis) in patients treated for AAA. • Units of Measure: Presence/absence of endoleaks, thrombosis, infection, displacement/dislocation of the prosthesis, plication of the prosthesis Comments: The presence or absence of endoleaks and other complications will be assessed, along with severity when applicable	CEUS will be performed at baseline (within 30 days before the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis: 24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
Validation of CEUS for Endoleak and Complication Detection Post-EVAR treatment	Objective: To validate the use of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) for detecting endoleaks, thrombosis, infection, and complications related to protesis placement (displacement/dislocation of the prosthesis, plication of the prosthesis) in patients treated for AAA, compared to angio-CT (gold standard).; Units of Measure: Presence/absence of endoleaks, thrombosis, infection, displacement/dislocation of the prosthesis, plication of the prosthesis; Comparison Standard: Angio-CT (gold standard) Comments: The presence or absence of endoleaks and other complications will be assessed, along with severity when applicable. CEUS results will be compared to the angio-CT results for validation.	CEUS will be performed at baseline (within 30 days before the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis: 24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
Validation of Biomarkers for Endoleaks Detection Post EVAR	To validate biomarkers for detecting endoleaks as a post-EVAR complication, changes in biomarker levels will be compared to baseline values and subsequent assessments. Outcome Measure: Change in Endoleak Biomarkers from baseline to 1 year. Biomarkers and Units of Measure: Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Markers: Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) (ng/mL); Renal Function Markers: Cystatin C (mg/L); Coagulation Markers: von Willebrand Factor (%), Factor VIII (IU/dL) Analysis: Each biomarker will be grouped into clinically relevant categories and analyzed as an independent measure within its respective category to assess its correlation with endoleak occurrence	Biomarkers will be assessed at baseline (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis: 24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
Validation of Biomarkers for Thrombosis Detection Post-EVAR treatment	To validate biomarkers for detecting thrombosis as a post-EVAR complication, changes in biomarker levels will be compared to baseline values and subsequent assessments. Outcome Measure: Change in Thrombosis Biomarkers from baseline to 1 year. Biomarkers and Units of Measure: Coagulation Markers: Prothrombin Time (PT) (seconds), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) (seconds), Derived Fibrinogen (mg/dL), Factor XIII (%); Platelet Function Markers: PFA-100 COL/ADP (seconds), PFA-100 COL/EPI (seconds); Anticoagulation Markers: Protein C (%), Protein S (%), Antithrombin (%); Thrombophilia Markers: Lupus Anticoagulant (Presence/Absence), Activated Protein C Resistance ((+/-)), Prothrombin G20210A Mutation ((+/-)), Factor V Leiden Mutation (G1691A) ((+/-)) Analysis: Each biomarker will be grouped into clinically relevant categories and analyzed as an independent measure within its respective category to track changes and assess their correlation with thrombosis.	Biomarkers will be assessed at baseline (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis: 24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
Validation of Biomarkers for Infection Detection Post-EVAR treatment	To validate biomarkers for detecting infection as a post-EVAR complication, changes in biomarker levels will be compared to baseline values and subsequent assessments. Outcome Measure: Change in Infection Biomarkers from baseline to 1 year. Biomarkers and Units of Measure: - Inflammatory Markers: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (mg/L); Procalcitonin (ng/mL); IL-6 (pg/mL); IL-8 (pg/mL); TNF-α (pg/mL); Serum Calprotectin (µg/mL) Analysis: Each biomarker will be grouped as an inflammatory marker and analyzed as an independent measure to track changes and assess its correlation with infection.	Biomarkers will be assessed at baseline (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis: 24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
Validation of Biomarkers for Prosthesis-Related Complication Detection Post-EVAR Treatment	To validate biomarkers for detecting complications such as displacement, dislocation, and plication of the prosthesis, changes in biomarker levels will be compared to baseline values and subsequent assessments. Outcome Measure: Change in Biomarkers Related to Prosthesis Issues from baseline to 1 year. Biomarkers and Units of Measure: Lipid Metabolism Markers: Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) (mg/dL), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (mg/dL); Hematological Markers: Reticulocytes (10³/mL); Coagulation Markers: Quick Index (%); Autoimmune Markers: Anticardiolipin Antibodies (IgG/IgM) (GPL/MPL units) Analysis: Each biomarker will be grouped into clinically relevant categories and analyzed as an independent measure within its respective category.	Biomarkers will be assessed at baseline (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis: 24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Cost-Effectiveness of Biomarker Measurements in AAA Follow-Up Post-EVAR treatment	Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of biomarker determination in the follow-up of AAA patients treated with EVAR, using a Health Economic Evaluation framework.; Units of Measure: Cost of biomarker tests (in euros).; Analysis Method: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) and Cost-Minimization Analysis (CMA). Comments: The cost-effectiveness analysis will compare the costs of biomarker measurements to clinical outcomes such as detection and management of complications.	Biomarkers will be evaluated before (within 30 days prior to the procedure) and after implantation of the endoprosthesis (24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year).
Cost-Effectiveness of Imaging (CEUS and CTA) in AAA Follow-Up Post-EVAR treatment	Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of imaging techniques (CEUS and CTA) for follow-up of AAA patients treated with EVAR.; Units of Measure: Cost per imaging session (in euros).; Analysis Method: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) and Cost-Minimization Analysis (CMA). Comments: The cost-effectiveness of CEUS and CTA will be assessed in relation to clinical outcomes, like the detection and management of complications.	Imaging techniques (CEUS and CTA) will be performed at the same time points as biomarker assessments (within 30 days before the procedure, and after implantation: 24-48 hours, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria La Fe
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Juan Manuel Sanchís García, Hospital Universitario la Fe

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): July 25, 2024
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 30, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): April 30, 2028

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 24, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 5, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 5, 2025
• Last Verified: March 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA); Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR); Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS); Computed tomography angiography (CTA); Biomarkers.
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases; Wounds and Injuries; Aortic Diseases; Rupture; Aneurysm; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal
• Other Study ID Numbers: EVAR

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: Yes
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: Yes